Report: ABDULLAH ASJAD Islamabad (October 18, 2021):-Sri Lanka beat Namibians by 7 wickets in the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2021 match at Sheikh Zayid Cricket Stadium Abu Dhabi on Monday night under the floodlights. Sri Lankan tigers got their meager target of 96 runs after losing only three wickets and 39 balls were spare too. Sri Lankan Batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa scored unbeaten 42 runs in just 27 balls while Avishka Fernando scored 30 runs in 28 deliveries were major contributors. Earlier, Sri Lankan skipper won the toss and put opposition in to bat first. Namibia bundled out on 96 runs. Craig Williams scored 29 runs in 36 balls, Gerhard Erasmus scored 20 runs in 19 balls and JJ Smit scored 12 runs in 15 delivers. Maheesh Theekshana took 3 wickets for Sri Lanka and he was judged man of the match on his match winning bowling.   Toss: Sri Lanka won the toss elected to bat first Namibia Batting: Craig Williams (29 runs 36 balls), Gerhard Erasmus (20 runs 19 balls), JJ Smit (12 runs 15balls) Sri Lanka Bowling: Maheesh Theekshana 3 for 25, Lahiru Kumara 2 for 9, Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 2 for 24 Sri Lanka Batting: Bhanuka Rajapaksa  42 runs for 27 balls, Avishka Fernando 30 runs for 28. Namibia Bowling: JJ Smit 1 for 7, Bernard Scholtz 1 for 16, Ruben Trumpelmann 1 for 27 Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets (with 39 balls remaining) Man of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana  

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 18, 2021):-The women hockey teams of Punjab (C), Wapda, Army and Railways toppled their respective opponent teams in the quarterfinals to book a place in the semifinals of First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship at National Hockey Stadium on Monday. The first semifinal of First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship will be played between Wapda and Railways women hockey teams at 6.00pm while Punjab (C) and Army will lock horns in the second semifinal at 7.00pm at the same venue. Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh who was the chief guest at the quarterfinals, watched the thrilling quarterfinal encounters at National Hockey Stadium. Director Sports Hafeez Bhatti, PHF Women Hockey Wing General Manager Ms Tanzeela Amir Cheema, Deputy Director Rauf Bajwa and Deputy Director Chand Perveen were also present on this occasion. It is worth-mentioning that Sports Board Punjab is organising the First Chief Minister Punjab 5-a-Side National Women Hockey Championship for the preparation of inaugural FIH Hockey 5s World Cup scheduled to be staged in Oman’s capital city, Muscat. Wapda female players edged out strong HEC team by a narrow margin of 3-2 in the first quarterfinal after a close competition. Wapda’s Hamra Latif exhibited a glorious game and scored two goals through her field effort in the first and 12th minute of the match. Maira Sabir netted the third goal for the winning team. Kalsoom scored two goals for HEC to reduce the deficit. She leveled the score twice in 2nd and 11th minute but failed to do so third time and lost the match by 3-2. The second quarterfinal match was played between Islamabad and Railways women hockey teams. Railways women hockey team showing great resolve toppled Islamabad by 4-1 without much trouble. Arzoo Mansoor struck two goals while skipper Mariyam Hanif and Sarika Sarwar shared the remaining two goals. Islamabad’s only goal was netted by Fozia Talib in the 6th minute through a beautiful field move. Punjab (C) defeated Punjab (W) by a big difference of 7-1 in the third quarterfinal match of the day. Until half-time, they had a 5-0 lead. Sidra Hakim did the major damage scoring three beautiful goals for the winning team. The remaining four goals were scored by Mariam Hussain, Aqsa Ajaz, Saira Murad and Mahak Rasheed. Punjab (W)’s only goal was made by Amara Murad in the 19th minute of the match. The 4th and last quarterfinal of the day was competed between Army and Sindh (W) female hockey teams. The Army team proved too strong for Sindh (W) and won their match quite comfortably by 3-0 margin. Adeeba Afzal, Asma and Iqra Iqbal struck the goals for the victorious team.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-The Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2021 will start from December 5, 2021 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS) Colombo, with the inaugural game scheduled to be played between Galle and Jaffna. According to available information from abroad, the first round of the tournament, which will consist of 20 games will be played at the RPICS, Colombo before it moves into Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium (MRICS) Hambantota to proceed with the final round games. The finals of the League will be played on the December 23, 2021 at the MRICS, Hambantota, whilst this year’s tournament has 24th December, as a ‘Reserve Day’ dedicated for the final. The Lanka Premier League 2021 which is Sri Lanka’s topmost domestic tournament, with an international flavor, will consist of 24 games and will see the participation of topmost domestic and international cricketers. The Final Round Games will see the top two teams in the points table playing the qualifier 1, whilst the 3rd and 4th placed teams on the table playing in the ‘eliminator.’ The winner of ‘qualifier 1’ will directly go into the finals, whilst the loser of the ‘qualifier 1’ will play against the winner of the ‘eliminator’ in the ‘qualifier 2’, and the winner of that game will go into the finals. Schedule (First Match at 3:00 pm, Second Match at 7:30 pm) December 5, 2021: OPENING CEREMONY and Galle vs Jaffna at RPICS December 6, 2021: Dambulla Vs Kandy and Colombo Vs Galle at RPICS December 7, 2021: Jaffna Vs Dambulla and Kandy Vs Galle at RPICS December 8, 2021: Colombo Vs Dambulla and Kandy Vs Jaffna at RPICS December 9, 2021: Rest & Practice December 10, 2021: Dambulla vs Galle and Jaffna vs Colombo at RPICS December 11, 2021: Galle vs Kandy and Colombo vs Dambulla at RPICS December 12, 2021: Jaffna vs Kandy and Galle vs Colombo at RPICS December 13, 2021: Galle vs Dambulla at RPICS December 14, 2021: Kandy vs Colombo and Dambulla vs Jaffna at RPICS December 15, 2021: Rest & Practice December 16, 2021: Colombo vs Jaffna and Kandy vs Dambulla at RPICS December 17, 2021: Jaffna vs Galle and Colombo vs Kandy at RPICS December 18, 2021: Travel to Hambantota December 19, 2021: Rest & Practice December 20, 2021: Eliminator (3 vs 4) Qualifier 1 (1 vs 2) at MRICS December 21, 2021: Qualifier 2 (looser QF1 vs won E) at MRICS December 22, 2021: Rest & Practice December 23, 2021: Final at MRICS December 24, 2021: Final (Reserve Day)                MRICS

Report: ABDULLAH ASJAD ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-Ireland defeated Netherlands in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at Sheikh Zahid Cricket Stadium Abu Dhabi on Monday. Netherlands captains Pieter Seelaar won the toss and elected to bat first. Netherlands could score only 106 runs in allowed 20 overs. Max O Dowd was the top scorer with 51 runs. He hit 7 fours and faced 47 balls. Captain Pieter Seelaar contributed 21 runs. For the Ireland, Curtis Campher got 4 wickets including a hat-trick in his four overs after giving 25 runs while Mark Adair got 3 wickets for just 9 runs. In reply, Ireland reached at the target of 107 runs for 3 wickets in 15.1 overs. Gareth Delany scored 44 runs in 29 balls. Curtis Campher was declared man of the match on his outstanding bowling.   Summarized Scorecard: (Ireland Vs Holland) Toss:  Netherland won the toss elected to bat first Netherlands (Batting): 106 all out in 20 overs Max O. Dowd (51 runs 47 balls), Pieter Seelaar (21 runs 29 balls), Logan van Beek (11 runs 12 balls) Ireland (Bowling): Curtis Campher 4 for 25, Mark Adair 3 for 9, Josh little 1 for 14 Ireland (Batting):107/3 in15.1overs Gareth Delany (44 runs 29 Balls), Paul Stiriling (30 runs 39 Balls), Kevin O’Brien (9 runs10 Balls), Netherlands Bowling: Pieter Seelaar1 for14, Fred Klaassen 1 for 18, Brandon Glover 1 for21 Results: Ireland won by 7 wicket and 4.5 overs in hand Player of the match: Curtis Campher  

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (October 18, 2021):-After the successful completion of the National T20, the 2021-22 season enters into next phase with the country’s premier cricket tournament – the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy – beginning from Wednesday, 20 October. Participation in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has remained the pinnacle for domestic cricketers as the tournament has established and produced red-ball stars who have gone on to wear the golden star. Over the years, the tournament has produced riveting matches, with last year’s final also going down the wire and ending as a tie with Central Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sharing the trophy. This year, the fans can witness action up-close as the Pakistan Cricket Board will open stands for them across all venues. The entry will be free of cost and the only requirement will be the government-issued Immunisation Certification for Covid-19. The PCB, as part of its efforts to incentivise and reward top-performing cricketers, has put PKR17million on offer with the champion side grabbing PKR10million and runner-up bagging PKR5million. The top-performers – player of the tournament, best batter, best bowler and best wicketkeeper – will pocket PKR500,000 each. The player of the final will be awarded PKR50,000. The first five rounds of the 31-match event to be played by the first XI sides of the six Cricket Associations will be staged at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium, before the tournament moves to Karachi on 24 November. In the first round, Iftikhar Ahmed-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will play Nauman Ali’s Northern at the Gaddafi Stadium, Fawad Alam’s Sindh will take on Imran Butt’s Balochistan at Iqbal Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will stage the Punjab Derby with Azhar Ali’s Central Punjab locking horns with Mohammad Abbas’ Southern Punjab. The last five rounds will be played at UBL Sports Complex, SBP Sports Complex and NBP Sports Complex, before the final, a five-day affair, begins at the iconic National Stadium on 25 December. The result-oriented points system introduced last year achieved the aim of inducing attacking and positive mind-set amongst the teams, and the bonus and match points will continue to be allocated based on it. In the last year’s edition, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – who won five matches, the most by any team – and Central Punjab finished the group stage at the first and second spots with 161 and 137 points. Southern Punjab finished at third with 129 points, Balochistan and Northern gathered 128 and 123 points from three wins each to end their campaigns at fourth and fifth spots and Sindh, who recorded solitary win, finished last with 87 points. Balochistan captain Imran Butt: “We have not been able to play according to expectations in the last two seasons, but there was a marked improvement in the 2020-21 season from the 2019-20 season and we plan to continue to build on it. One of the most remarkable aspects of our squad this year is that we have roped in local players from the province after their impressive performances in the CCA tournaments. Playing alongside experienced cricketers in Imam-ul-Haq, Haris Sohail, Junaid Khan and Yasir Shah will help them understand the game better and I look forward to having them in our dressing room. Central Punjab captain Azhar Ali: “The last season was outstanding for us as our team truly lived-up to the never-say-die spirit and staged what will be remembered as one of the most epic comebacks. I have full confidence that we will play our third final in a row this year and win the prestigious trophy. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Iftikhar Ahmed: “Our team is oozing with confidence as we have been able to stretch our last year’s form to this year successfully. We have adapted our cricket to the modern-day requirements and it is paying dividends. The retention of National T20 title has given our squad a great boost and we all are eager for the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy to begin.” Northern captain Nauman Ali: “The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy is a tournament in which stars are made and it comes with a great opportunity for domestic cricketers to make an impression as it is followed all around the world. My progression to the national side has been one such example and my message to the team is to make the most of the opportunities and grab them with both hands. We have a young and dynamic squad which has the potential to turn the match on its head in any situation and I am looking forward to leading them. Sindh captain Fawad Alam: “Our last year’s journey did not go as we had planned but we have learned from that campaign. We have established first-class cricketers in our line-up and I am sure this year will be different for us. The key for success in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has always been adaptability as the conditions, with the continuous change of weather and venue, alter and with this set of players, I am sure we will surmount all challenges. Southern Punjab captain Mohammad Abbas: “It is always good to dominate a campaign right from the start and the Punjab Derby comes up with a good opportunity to make an impression. Last year, we missed out the qualification by mere eight points, but it was a brilliant learning curve for us and since our team has grown immensely. We may have a young side, but these players have all the potential to make it big.”

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-Hosts Islamabad and Kashmir secured their place in the final of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) T20 Cricket Champions Trophy after beating Gujranwala and Peshawar respectively at E-9 cricket ground on Monday. In the first match, Kashmir won the toss and elected to bat first. Kashmir scored 219 for the loss of two wickets. Nisar scored unbeaten 92 runs. In replyPpeshawar team could score 213 runs in 20 overs for the loss of 3 wickets, as Kashmir won by 6 runs and qualified for the final. While in the second match, Islamabad after winning the toss elected to bat first and second 176 runs in allotted 18 overs. Ayub khan was the top scorer with 78 runs. In reply, Gujranwala bold out on 138 runs in 17.3 overs. Aanis from Islamabad took 2 wickets. Hosts Islamabad won the match by 38 runs and qualified for the final. The final of the PAF T20 Cricket Champions Trophy for the blind 2021will be played between Kashmir and Islamabad at PAF Cricket Ground E-9 Islamabad on Tuesday. The closing ceremony will held at 1230Hrs at same venue.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (October 18, 2021):-Jawz cricket club outclassed ESCO cricket club by 80 runs in a match at Marghazar cricket ground. After winning the toss being bating first,  Jawz club managed 248 for 9 runs on the board in 35 overs fixture. Shahid Ilyas hit brilliant ton 115 runs was major contributors for the winners. Junaid took 4 for 33 wickets for ESCO. In response, ESCO  scored 160 runs in 35 overs with loss of nine wickets Zarak made  56 runs, as Haseeb took 4 wickets from Jawz club.

SPORTS REPORTER Rawalpindi (October 18, 2021):-Pakistan WAPDA defeated Muslim Club Chman 3-0 goals in the 13th Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) match while between Pakistan Army and Sui Southern Gas Company held match was goalless draw at Municipal Stadium Rawalpindi. In the first match, Pakistan WAPDA took 1-0 lead at the end of the first half against Muslim Club. In the 17th minutes of the first half, Shahbaz Tariq scored first goal for Pakistan WAPDA and Ashfaquddin doubled the margin 2-0 in the 49th minutes. Third goal was scored by Ahmad Faheem for Pakistan WAPDA in the 66th minutes. Players of Muslim Club tried to reduce the margin but they could not succeed. The match ended 3-0 in the scheduled times of 90 minutes. Mohsin Ali received the yellow card for Pakistan WAPDA for foul playing. Asmat Ullah acted as match Commissioner. Ahmad Rauf supervised the match while assisted by Mehboob Ali and Yasir Rahman. The second match was played between Pakistan Army and Sui Southern Gas Company  that ended goalless draw. Both teams could not succeed any score in the scheduled times. Adnan Anjum supervised this match, Mehboob Ali and Dilawar Khan were assisted to him. Former international goalkeeper Jamshed Rana presented a prize money of Rs 10,000 to the Goalkeeper of Sui Southern Gas Company, Ehsanullah for showing good performance during the match between Pakistan Army and SSGC, on behalf President, Pakistan Football Federation, Engr. Syed Ashfaq Hussain Shah.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (October 18, 2021):-The Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 was lit today in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This marks the start of its journey to China where, in just over 100 days, the Games will begin.  As a symbol of peace, unity and solidarity, the Olympic flame will convey the values of Olympism to all those that see it on its travels. The flame will help build anticipation amongst Olympic fans eager to witness the world’s best winter sports stars in action, whilst also inspiring thousands of athletes who are making their final preparations for these Games. Due to the COVID-19 countermeasures, today’s ceremony in Olympia was held under strict conditions, with only a limited delegation present. The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, and several guests were in attendance, showing their solidarity with the Beijing 2022 Games. These included the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou; the members of the  IOC Executive Board; and the IOC’s Beijing 2022 Coordination Commission Chair,  Juan Antonio Samaranch. The Chinese delegation was led by IOC Vice-President, Special Representative and Vice-President of Beijing 2022 and Vice-President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Yu Zaiqing. The ceremony was hosted by the Hellenic Olympic Committee President and IOC member Spyros Capralos.  Also present was the Mayor of Olympia, Georgios Georgiopoulos. Speaking at the ceremony, IOC President Thomas Bach made it clear that the Olympic Games have always stood above conflict: “In our fragile world, where division, conflict and mistrust are on the rise, the Olympic Games always build bridges. They never erect walls. “The foundation for the ancient Olympic Games to take place in peace was a sacred truce – the ekecheiria. This Olympic Truce ensured a halt to hostilities, allowing athletes and spectators to travel safely to Olympia and home again. The ekecheiria demonstrates that already the ancient Greeks understood that for the Olympic Games to unfold their unifying power, they must stand above any political conflict. In this way, already 3,000 years ago, there was an inseparable link between the Olympic Games and peace. “This peace mission, handed down to us since ancient times, requires that the Olympic Games be respected as politically neutral ground. Only this political neutrality ensures that the Olympic Games can stand above and beyond the political differences that existed in ancient times, as well as today.” Turning to the host city, he added: “Beijing will write history as the first city ever to host both the summer and winter editions of the Olympic Games. The Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 will connect the Chinese people with the world, bringing to life China’s vision to engage 300 million people with sport on snow and ice, changing winter sport forever. The entire world will see this passion when China welcomes the best winter sport athletes.” Peace and solidarity were an important theme throughout President Bach’s speech in Ancient Olympia. He concluded by saying: “The Olympic Games cannot address all the challenges in our world. But the Olympic Games set an example for a world where everyone respects the same rules and one another. They inspire us to solve problems in friendship and solidarity. They build bridges leading to better understanding and friendship among people. This is the timeless message that this Olympic flame will send from our spiritual home here in Ancient Olympia, to Beijing, and to the world.” Representing Beijing 2022, Yu Zaiqing said: “This is a historic moment as we are gathering here in the ancient city of Olympia to celebrate the lighting of the Olympic flame for the XXIV Olympic Winter Games.” He continued: “The Olympic flame embodies our unswerving pursuit of excellence. It highlights our resolve to always challenge our limits and surpass ourselves. And it sheds light on our journey ahead, to overcome difficulties with greater solidarity and closer cooperation. Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease, the Olympic flame has brought us confidence, warmth and hope. It has been a source of strength in our fight to defeat the pandemic.” The traditional ceremony, held near the Temple of Hera, celebrates the Olympic Games’ Greek heritage, connecting the modern Games to their historic origins. After the Olympic flame was lit by the High Priestess, it began its journey with Greek skier Ioannis Antoniou, an Olympian who also assumed the role of first torchbearer for the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014. The flame was then passed to Chinese Olympian Li Jiajun, a winner of five medals in speed skating at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games (two silver and three bronze medals). After the ceremony, the Olympic flame will be transported to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, where on 19 October the official handover to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee will take place before the flame departs for China. A welcome ceremony will be held in Beijing on 20 October, with the flame initially going on display to the public at the Beijing Olympic Tower before setting off on a flame exhibition tour. Closer to the Games, a traditional Olympic Torch Relay will be held. More information will be announced by the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee after the arrival ceremony on 20 October. Around 2,900 athletes, representing approximately 85 National Olympic Committees, will compete in what will be the most gender-balanced Olympic Winter Games in history, between 4 and 20 February 2022.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lausanne, Switzerland (October 18, 2021):-The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and Polytan, a member of Sport Group, today announced an extension to their long-standing worldwide hockey partnership through to 2024. In response to the partnership’s recent success delivering climate positive turfs for Tokyo 2020 (made from 60% sugar cane), the extension is designed to ensure hockey becomes a leader in the development of sustainable sports facilities. In line with FIH’s Sustainability Framework for Hockey and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the partnership will focus on the following: People Fundamental for healthy communities, sport needs to be accessible to all. Polytan will support FIH’s drive to make a positive impact on all those involved in hockey by continuing to promote high quality, durable hockey facilities that maximise precious space by withstanding thousands of players on a weekly basis. Alongside the growth of traditional facilities, the partnership will tackle the development of Hockey5s. Hockey5s courts that require less space and appeal to changing recreational habits will allow many more people to enjoy hockey. Additionally, Polytan’s portable turf technology will bring the first-ever FIH Hockey5s World Cup to downtown Oman in 2024, giving local children and adults the opportunity to be thrilled by world-class competition. Planet Protecting the planet so it can support the needs of present and future generations should be a fundamental commitment for all organisations. Polytan is dedicated to working with FIH to ensure hockey activities leave as small a footprint on the planet as possible. The Poligras turfs developed for Tokyo 2020 were created using bio-based materials (60% sugar cane), and were manufactured to strict ISO 14001 environmental management and ISO 9001 management standards. Also, the overall system used at the Tokyo Olympic venue required a third less water than the Rio 2016 venue. The partnership will focus on innovations that deliver CO2 reduction, bio-based green technology, dry elite level turf and end-of-life recycling as well as turf longevity through good maintenance practices. Prosperity FIH’s final sustainability goal is about ensuring hockey continues to grow and prosper. With 46 years working with hockey, the Polytan team is fully behind this goal. As the sole supplier of hockey turf for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the FIH Hockey World Cups (2022/2023), Polytan will deliver the finest turfs, ensuring that players perform to their best and that hockey looks bright and vibrant. Additionally, Polytan and FIH have successfully created a new category for hockey turf - Temporary Overlay Pitches (TOP) - which provides a cost-effective means of hosting top-level hockey in existing sports stadia and other venues. These Big Stadium hockey events have been successfully delivered for both the FIH Hockey Pro League and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifiers allowing hockey to break free from the limitations of existing venues to attract record crowds. As hockey fans return to big events, the TOP systems will bring the sport to new locations and audiences, creating thrilling experiences for the players and further growing the game. Thierry Weil, CEO, FIH: “We are delighted that our trusted partner Polytan, which continues to innovate and invest in hockey, has extended its partnership with FIH. Over the years Polytan has repeatedly delivered world-class facilities for the Olympics and Hockey World Cups. They are leaders in sustainable sports surfaces and construction, so we are very happy to have their support in hockey’s sustainable future, in particular for producing water-free elite pitches in the years to come.” Frank Dittrich, CEO, Sport Group: “Sustainability is key in the development of all our products. Sport Group, with our investment in green technology, is transforming the future of sports surfaces. Our long-term partnership with the FIH allows us to invest in hockey turf innovations that will help the game be a leader in sustainable sport.” Stephen Niven, CEO Polytan Asia Pacific: “Our relationship with hockey began in 1976 with the first turf at the Montreal Olympics. Since then, Sport Group, through Polytan and AstroTurf, has remained committed to the global game. It is a pleasure to be part of the sport; hockey is exciting, welcoming and is equally amazing for men and women, girls and boys. Shifting our partnership focus to sustainability will further progress the sport and our Poligras hockey turfs will continue to be the leader in player and environmental performance.”